American Book Number 199: 2500 Latest Song Hits from Radio-Screen-Stage
Ephemera, commercial print, lyric book anthology • Published by B.L.W. Publishing Corp. (Anonymous graphic designer)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Commercial Americana / Art Deco influence
Medium & Technique
Letterpress and halftone lithography on wood-pulp newsprint stock
Creation Period
Circa 1935-1945 (Great Depression / WWII era pop culture)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; vertical portrait orientation, saddle-stitched (stapled) binding.
Subject Description
Promotional booklet containing song lyrics from popular radio, film, and theater. The cover features a halftone portrait of a male celebrity (resembling Bing Crosby) with bold, red-and-white promotional typography and price marking (10 cents).
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible age-toning, edge-wear, and minor chipping to the lower right corner.
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD
Provenance History
Likely mass-circulated through newsstands, grocery stores, or mail-order during the 1930s-40s; private collection.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the democratization of music through printed lyrics prior to the ubiquity of recorded music ownership. It provides a cultural record of popular entertainment taste during the Golden Age of Radio.
Notable Features
Includes specific categories such as 'Cowboy Songs' and 'Old Time Songs,' showcasing the niche genre marketing of the era.
Condition Issues
Paper acidification (yellowing/brittleness), small tears along the spine, oxidation of metal staples, and minor surface staining.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, archival-quality Mylar sleeve with a buffered backing board. Keep away from direct sunlight and high-humidity environments to prevent further paper degradation.